Good morning, Wednesday. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, Khan is in his Jets jersey chillin' out, and a nice breeze is coming through my window beckoning me to spend some time outside today, but talking about the weather is so very yesterday, and I want to talk about one of my favorite things and endless source of inspiration- fashion. That's Isabel and Ruben Toledo above, and the epitomize what I love about style and fashion and expressing oneself.
I'm sure there's some of you out there that wonder what it is about fashion besides looking cool that I find so endlessly amazing. As I viewed the New York shows and now part of the London ones online (some early standouts across the pond like Antonio Berardi), I realized that what I love about fashion, and moreover, style, is its ability to tell stories. That's what style does- what we choose to wear says much about us- regardless of who we are, what we have, who we sleep with, or what we do for a living. To me, style is the ultimate storyteller- to some it may seem surface, but it's a lot more. When you wake up in the morning are you channeling Steve McQueem or Stevie Nicks? Are you a Jackie? What is it about your ratty Dartmouth sweatshirt you love so much? Or maybe you one of those amazing people that go against all type and invent your own look that defies explanation?
As a young girl, I remember quite clearly feeling something special by looking at Vogue as well as W Magazine. I fantasized about a life I wasn't yet ready to live- a life filled with gorgeous clothes and people and a completely stylish life. I was well aware that clothes were not just meant to be worn, they were meant to be treasured, displayed, and depict the way I see the world. In my adult life, I've spent much time in marketing and advertising and all the buzz these days is the notion of "storytelling". How can brands tell their story? With so much content out there on the interwebs, what's a tired old brand (or shiny new one) to do to stand out? And in this post transparent, full frontal digital age and "need to know" society we live in, much is also made about authenticity and the need to be real. I can't think of a better place to tell your story than through what you put on your beautiful body every day. Some days your story may be Sunday casual (if you are a freelancer working fro home that could even be on a Tuesday) and some days you may be all business. It's an endless opportunity to express yourself and show the world who you are, in a real and authentic way.
I've been watching the London shows online and I'm seeing lots of designers making my point- London has always been the home of a certain bespoke eccentricity, and designers there are not shying away from some very ballsy looks. In a social era where it often feels like we are all a bunch of uniformed sheep, it's refreshing to look at clothes that just go for it, and I can't wait to see who wears some of the great looks shown on the runways. Standouts for me have been Antonio Berardi, Mary Katrantzou, and Mulberry. I'll show you some of those looks later this week.
Many of us spend our lives thinking about how to be inspired, what we can do to wake up each day looking forward to what's ahead, and how to keep that feeling of excitement one often feels from the first blush of love, a new career, or an amazing adventure overseas. Many of us may not be able to jet off to Tunisia or Morocco, but through clothes we can go there in our minds and on our bodies. I for one purchase clothes with occasions in mind, or to channel a gypsetter, Keith Richards, or preppy princess depending on my mood. There's many days I wonder what the future holds for me, if I am going to be able to keep this freelance dream alive, and if I am going to enjoy the balance of a life well lived. Through it all, the common thread is I will most likely dress accordingly, because to me, style is a comomn thread that will see me through all of it- I love discovering new shapes, designers, and ways to express myself through clothes. And living in New York City, being able to see people on the street doing their own unique take on self expression is my version of Heaven. (People are well dressed in my version, and that's that).
I'm sure you have your own passion points- whether it's food, surfing, fine wine, or the joy of creating art. Perhaps you find you best express yourself in the office as a professional, or maybe being a parent is what gets you going. It matters not- I'm just saying that whatever it is you do, you will always need an outfit to accompany you on your daily to-do. And as you're getting dressed this am to go to and fro, take your personal brand to Mach 11 by showing the world who you are, through your very own take on style. In this age of trying to stand out amidst so much clutter, what's your story and how will you tell it? I say you might as well tell some of it with style, because sometimes fashion speaks louder than words when it comes to telling the world who you are.
And that's what's up this stylish and personalized kind of Wednesday in lovely New York. All of this talk makes me think of those Capital One commercials with Jimmy Fallon asking us "what's in your wallet?" If I were rewriting that spot, I'd ask you all what's in your closet.
XO